Former captain Gary Neville has hailed the impact Raphael Varane had on Manchester United following their 3-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday evening.
The summer signing - who was sorely missed in the defeats to both Leicester City and Liverpool - returned to the starting line-up as one of the two changes made by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, as the United boss elicited a big reaction from his side.
Varane proved to be an effective sandwich between Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire in Solskjaer's 3-5-2 formation, delivering an accomplished performance to help United record just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Although United were inspired to victory by Cristiano Ronaldo's excellence at the top end of the pitch, Varane had a huge impact on proceedings, displaying the qualities and leadership United so badly lacked against Liverpool.
And for Neville, the France international's return was telling.
Neville told Sky Sports : " He’s made a massive difference at the back, Varane. You can say the change of system but he has brought real composure and class in that back-three.
"He’s been outstanding at the back."
Solskjaer, who has seen some of the pressure on his shoulders eased after a much-needed win, also hailed the performance of United's back-three, insisting they all benefited from the former Real Madrid man's return.
"They all played really really well," Solskjaer admitted. "They also had the experience and quality of Rapha Varane at the back."
Considering the trip to Tottenham marked the beginning of a huge three-game week for United, Varane's return could not have come a better time, and Solskjaer will now be hoping the Frenchman can inspire his side to further good results against both Atalanta on Tuesday and Manchester City next weekend.
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